2012 Elementary Wilderness Bushcraft Course Video

Even though it doesn’t feel like we’ve had much of a Spring, the year is progressing at pace. It doesn’t seem like long ago that I was writing about the March equinox but we are now just around the corner from the June solstice.

The Frontier team has been out in the woods for a large part of the last few months, teaching our range of bushcraft courses. We’ve been having a great time and have taught some wonderful people along the way.

Student on the Elementary Wilderness Bushcraft Course
A student on a recent Elementary Wilderness Bushcraft course, concentrating on completing their bow-drill set. Photo: Paul Kirtley

The recent wet weather has made some aspects of the courses even more challenging than usual. But it’s testament to the determination of the students we’ve had that they’ve managed to do well regardless.

So far this year the response to the content of our courses has been fantastic. Possibly none more so than the Elementary Wilderness Bushcraft Course.

The Elementary is one of the backbone courses for those who are serious about progressing their bushcraft skills. Even so, most attendees are surprised by the quantity and quality of material in this course.

Lighting a fire with feathersticks
Feathersticks are one of the many skills covered in detail on the Elementary course. Photo: Ben Gray.

It’s one of our primary aims for people to leave our courses knowing that there is no way we could have fitted more in to their time with us.

This should be evident even if you’ve attended one of our 1- or 2-day courses.

People often wonder what goes on during our week-long courses. So we decided to put together a short video, made up of short clips we’ve snatched while teaching over recent months.

This video, while not exhaustive, highlights many aspects of the Elementary and should provide a good idea of what to expect from this course.

The Elementary Wilderness Bushcraft course is an immersive, challenging yet enjoyable programme of learning which develops a broad base of skills. I think this comes across well in the film…

For more information on this course see the full course description page: Elementary Wilderness Bushcraft Course.

I hope to see you in the woods soon!

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Paul Kirtley is Founder and Chief Instructor of Frontier Bushcraft. He has had a lifelong passion for the great outdoors and gains great satisfaction from helping others enjoy it too. Paul writes the UK's leading bushcraft blog. He is the author of Wilderness Axe Skills and Campcraft, as well as having contributed to several other books. Paul has been involved in teaching bushcraft since 2003. He is also a Canoe Leader, British Canoeing Level 3 Canoe Coach and UK Summer Mountain Leader.

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27 Responses

  1. Mark H
    | Reply

    ‘Mouth wateringly’ good…. If anyone is looking for a good solid start to Bushcraft, look no further.

    Well done Paul and Crew !

    Best
    Mark

    • Paul Kirtley
      | Reply

      Thanks Mark. The salmon was certainly mouth-wateringly good ๐Ÿ™‚

      Best,

      Paul

  2. hedgey
    | Reply

    Great buchcraft course, will do this course one day when i find the time, looking forward to it
    THANKS Paul

    • Paul Kirtley
      | Reply

      Thanks Hedgey. Hope to meet you before too long.

  3. Richard
    | Reply

    Great video! Can’t wait for the Intermediate course next month!

    • Paul Kirtley
      | Reply

      Thanks Richard. Looking forward to seeing you again next month ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Elen Sentier
    | Reply

    Looking fwd to the basic 1-day in July ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Paul Kirtley
      | Reply

      We’re looking forward to it too Elen! ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Austin Lill
    | Reply

    Great video for your courses. I saw enough on there to know that there’s stuff I can learn and try for the first time, even though I don’t consider myself a beginner…I will get onto one of your courses one of these days!

    • Paul Kirtley
      | Reply

      Hi Austin,

      Thanks for your comment. It’s good to know this course has wide appeal. Not only does it provide a solid grounding for the serious beginner, it also provides enough breadth and depth for those who have already committed time to learning skills.

      It would indeed to be good to finally meet, whether it is on one of our courses or otherwise.

      All the best,

      Paul

  6. Paul Shakesby
    | Reply

    Who’s that good looking guy at the top!

    I have to say, if you want to learn the tools, skills and aptitude to enjoy yourself in the “bush” then look no further.

    Teachers with an impeccable pedigree and experience (unlike some other schools) who have a detailed understanding and knowledge of their subject.

    You cannot go much wrong if you want to learn about bushcraft, than spending your money on this course, it is worth it in spades.

    Thanks Paul and James for a truly memorable experience, I will be back soon!!

    • Paul Kirtley
      | Reply

      Thanks for your comment Paul. It was great to have you on the course. We missed you and the other guys after you’d left. You were such a great group to teach, with so much laughter, we had a wonderful time despite the downpours.

      We look forward to you joining us again soon ๐Ÿ™‚

      Cheers,

      Paul

  7. sean fagan
    | Reply

    Top notch video Paul,

    I really liked the editing. Its really nice to see your students progress and succeed on the video, especially with the bow drill. I also liked how well the wide range of bushcraft skills were demonstarted. Nice, and I’m not jealous at all, really…well, not much…

    regards, Sean.

    • Paul Kirtley
      | Reply

      Hi Sean,

      Good to hear from you. Thanks for your comment – I’m glad you liked the video. I thought the editing worked well too. The aim was to show a progression and breadth of skills. It certainly doesn’t depict everything in the course (how could it? It’s a week long…) but I think it gives a sample of the flavour of the course and how we go about delivering it. Good feedback that it made you a little jealous… ๐Ÿ™‚

      All the best,

      Paul

  8. Neil Salisbury
    | Reply

    Great video Paul, I look forward to attending your courses !

  9. L-O
    | Reply

    Hello!

    Nice video!

    Best regards from Sweden!

    Mvh L-O

    • Paul Kirtley
      | Reply

      Hello!

      Thanks. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.

      Best regards from the UK! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Paul

  10. BAMC
    | Reply

    Wow, it looks amazing! Congratulations!

    Sadly, here in Portugal, we don’t have this kind of courses or activities and, for me, its very difficult to afford all the expenses in order to attend your formations. Here, if we want to learn we must dig in the internet and download videos, documentaries and books. At this moment, i have more than 100Gb of information… but not the practice.

    If one day i have the chance to attend your courses, i’ll probably found a school like yours here!

    Keep up the good work!

    • Paul Kirtley
      | Reply

      Hi,

      I’m glad to hear the courses look enticing but sorry to hear you won’t be able to make any of them.

      Not to worry though – if you have a lot of information, then choose an area of interest and start practicing some of the skills. This way you will begin to build up practical experience too. Remember to keep safety firmly in mind if you are using cutting tools or lighting fires.

      All the best and keep in touch!

      Paul

  11. Jason
    | Reply

    Paul
    I really enjoyed this video. Would you be willing to show us how you folded the tarp up in the video? It looked very neat and compact after folding.

    Thanks
    Jason

  12. Jason
    | Reply

    Thanks Paul
    Let me know when you’re in the states and I’ll be there. A video would be great. Your last video on splitting wood in the snow was fantastic. Thanks again Paul.

    Jason

    • Paul Kirtley
      | Reply

      Hi Jason,

      Yes, that is a long way to come to learn tarp knots ๐Ÿ™‚ I’ll see what I can do….

      Glad you liked the splitting video.

      All the best,

      Paul

  13. Russell Joyce
    | Reply

    Great video Paul, that has cemented one of your courses on my wish list!

  14. Nigel Gregory
    | Reply

    Hi Paul.
    Looking forward to getting on this course next year, I missed out this year as was fully booked, your courses book up quickly which must say something about how good they are.
    Many thanks.
    Nige.

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